State Awards $402 Million in Annual Contracts with 110 Childcare Providers

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll administration announced that the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) awarded new contracts to 110 early education and care programs. The contracts invest $402 million per year to purchase high-quality early-education and out-of-school-time care through approximately 19,000 contracted seats in center-based and family childcare programs for children eligible for childcare financial assistance.

This is the first time in 15 years that the state has reprocured these contracts, which provide state and federal support to childcare providers so that they can deliver high-quality, comprehensive care to families. With these contracts, programs can provide financial assistance, childcare, and support services like transportation for families.

For the first time, EEC prioritized subsidized seats statewide for infants and toddlers and in areas where there is more demand for seats than seats available, as well as for families with the most needs, including for children with young parents under age 24 and for children experiencing homelessness.

“We always hear about the high cost of childcare and the impact it’s having on families and business. That’s why we’ve prioritized making childcare more affordable and accessible,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “Today’s awarded contracts continue our efforts to improve government services and make it easier for parents, especially our low-income families, to access high-quality early education and care in their communities.”